CGS HU 202 Study Guide - Final Guide: Alasdair Macintyre, Divine Command Theory, Categorical Imperative
• Explain what Virtue Ethics is. (Study my lecture on the subject and the chapter by Alasdair
Macintyre from Marino, pp. 397-423).
o Virtue Ethics can be described by changing the view of what actions are good to looking at
what kind of person is good.
o Inspired by Aristotle
▪ Virtuous person has ideal character traits
▪ Derived from natural internal tendencies and habits -- be kind over your entire
lifetime because it is genuinely your character, not just a one time deal for favors.
o There are six types of theories that help determine the status of a moral action
▪ Ethical Egoism-- is it good for me?
▪ Kantianism-- is it good according to the categorical imperative
▪ Social contract ethics--is it good according to the social contract?
▪ Natural law theory: does it conform to natural law
▪ Divine command theory: is it good according to law
▪ Utilitarianism: will this act bring a net increase in happiness for everyone?
o Virtue Ethics offers no formula for deciding on the moral status of a given action
o It says that a person with a good character will be likely to make the best decision in
any given circumstance. Person who possess virtues and practices will be the best judge of
when its right to lie or kill and when it isn't
o How do you become virtuous? Look around and see which people are honored and are good
people. Imitate them.
o Golden rule→ find the right balance between when to be compassionate and not. If your too
compassionate people will walk right over you, but if your not compassionate then your
considered rude.
o Assess any situation and make the correct choice based on the situation and a person’s
virtues.
o Generosity vs frugality: if you have money, be generous and when you don't have money
you can't be generous.
o Someone getting mugged: stronger than mugger intervene and help, but if not then call for
help.
o Dorian gray and larry from a serious man: they don't assess situations and are influenced
from others.
Nietzsche would love a virtuous character because they play a part in advancing mankind.
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Document Summary
Explain what (cid:498)virtue ethics(cid:499) is. (study my lecture on the subject and the chapter by alasdair. 397-423): virtue ethics can be described by changing the view of what actions are good to looking at what kind of person is (cid:498)good(cid:499). It says that a person with a good character will be likely to make the best decision in any given circumstance. Look around and see which people are honored and are good people. Imitate them. compassionate people will walk right over you, but if your not compassionate then your: golden rule find the right balance between when to be compassionate and not.